Breakfast links: Polar vortex
Brace yourself
It’s cold out there today. So cold in fact, it may have cracked a rail at the Brookland station. So make sure you bundle up! (Post)
Arrest cyclists in winter?
The mayor of an Upstate New York city claims that people who ride bicycles in winter weather should be arrested because they present a clear and present danger. (Streetsblog)
Bike signals get green light
Bike signals are poised to become more widespread after entry into the Federal Highway Administration’s book of standards. FHWA noted that bike signals helped to reduce crash rates by 45%. (Streetsblog)
Reduce DC property taxes?
Property taxes in DC may get even lower if the council approves two proposed bills. Mayor Gray has voiced opposition. (Post)
Have problems dispersed or just people
Planning wisdom holds that having too many poor people reduces access to resources and increases crime. But are efforts to disperse poverty, like Capitol Quarter, only making things worse? (Polis, Neil) (Tip: Neil)
Do mixed income communities work?
Mixed income neighborhoods are popular among policy-makers, but some are concerned that strong social networks are damaged and benefits promised for low-income groups don’t materialize. (Vancouver Sun)
Crazy elections coming
Chris Zimmerman will step down from the Arlington County Board on February 10, but people will have to file for the November general election before the special election to replace him has finished. (Sun Gazette)
Charlotte to DC high-speed rail
North Carolina and Virginia representatives will meet in DC to discuss developing a high-speed rail corridor from Charlotte to DC. Virginia already got $75 million for the project but officials eye more federal funds. (WTOP)
A wider I-66?
A delegate from Chantilly is demanding I-66 be widened inside the Beltway despite opposition from Arlington officials, who point out the Silver Line may ease congestion. (WBJ)
And…
DDOT will present the latest designs plans for the Klingle Valley Trail Project. (TheWashCycle) … Union Market has a new zebra mural. (PoPville) … DC’s universities have hidden treasures that you should explore in 2014. (Elevation) … How do you get around Tokyo’s Metro without reading Japanese? (PlanItMetro)